B EAUREGARD'S assurance to Bragg that he would undertake an immediate offensive was based on information he had received that the Federals were withdrawing from Bermuda Hundred.
He planned to form a junction with Ransom, who had crossed to
Drewry's Bluff with part of the Richmond garrison, and attack Butler
before he could leave. To verify his reports of the Federal movements, he prepared to send reconnaissance parties toward Bermuda.11

Beauregard's information was wrong. Butler, instead of withdrawing, was preparing to advance toward Drewry's Bluff. Another
danger to the capital appeared in the presence of a large enemy
cavalry force moving toward the city from the north. On the night
of May 10-11 Beauregard received a telegram from Secretary Seddon
warning that Richmond was in "hot danger." Although the secretary
did not see fit to tell Beauregard what the specific threats to the city
were, he did give the general a sound analysis of the strategic situation and a sound order what to do. He directed Beauregard to leave Petersburg at the earliest moment and join his troops with Ransom's
at Drewry's Bluff. Thus placed, the united Confederate forces would
be in position to counter any move the Federals might make against Richmond or Petersburg.22

A juncture with Ransom was a part of Beauregard's plan. With
no objection, he ordered Hoke's division to march to Drewry's Bluff.
He was not willing, however, to admit that his chance for an offensive had disappeared, and he had no intention of letting Seddon
exercise a rigid control over his movements. After Hoke started Beauregard received information that Butler was evacuating Bermuda
Hundred. Immediately he directed Hoke to move toward Bermuda
and press the Federals. At the same time he informed Bragg that he
had changed Hoke's orders and asked for approval. No reply from

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